US20050175631A1

US20050175631A1 - Hiv vaccine and method of use

Info

Publication number: US20050175631A1
Application number: US10/501,606
Authority: US
Inventors: Michael Vajdy; Indresh Srivastava; Susan Barnett; Derek O'Hagan
Original assignee: Chiron Corp
Current assignee: Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics Inc
Priority date: 2002-01-14
Filing date: 2003-01-14
Publication date: 2005-08-11
Also published as: CA2472579A1; DK1471936T3; EP1471936A2; WO2003059385A3; ES2339762T3; WO2003059385A2; EP1471936B1; ATE458496T1; EP1471936A4; DE60331412D1; US20110045017A1; US20090081254A1

Abstract

This invention is directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising an HIV antigen and a mucosal adjuvant and methods for raising an immune response in a subject by administering these compositions. Preferably, the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention can be used to treat or prevent HIV infection.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
This invention is directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising an HIV antigen and a mucosal adjuvant and methods for raising an immune response in a subject by administering these compositions. Preferably, the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention can be used to treat or prevent HIV infection.
HIV antigens suitable for use in this invention include envelope proteins such as gp120 and gp160 proteins, and antigenic fragments and derivatives thereof, such as oligomeric gp140 (Ogp140). Preferably, the antigens of the invention are optimized for immunogenicity.
The pharmaceutical compositions of this invention are suitable for mucosal delivery, preferably intranasal, intra-vaginal and intra-rectal delivery. Mucosal adjuvants suitable for use in this invention include detoxified mutants of E. coli heat labile toxin (LT), such as LTR72 and LTK63.
2. State of the Art
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is recognized as one of the greatest health threats facing modem medicine and worldwide sexual transmission of HIV, is the leading cause of AIDS. There are, as yet, no cures or vaccines for AIDS. Therefore, construction of a vaccine or drug that can specifically protect against sexual transmission at the site of entry is highly desirable.
In 1983-1984, three groups independently identified the suspected etiological agent of AIDS. See, e.g., Barre-Sinoussi et al. (1983) Science 220:868-871; Montagnier et al., in Human T-Cell Leukemia Viruses (Gallo, Essex & Gross, eds., 1984); Vilmer et al. (1984) The Lancet 1:753; Popovic et al. (1984) Science 224:497-500; Levy et al. (1984) Science 225:840-842. These isolates were variously called lymphadenopathy-associated virus (LAV), human T-cell lymphotropic virus type III (HTLV-III), or AIDS-associated retrovirus (ARV). All of these isolates are strains of the same virus, and were later collectively named Human Inmunuodeficiency Virus (HIV). With the isolation of a related AIDS-causing virus, the strains originally called HIV are now termed HIV-1 and the related virus is called HIV-2 See, e.g., Guyader et al. (1987) Nature 326:662-669; Brun-Vezinet et al. (1986) Science 233:343-346; Clavel et al. (1986) Nature 324:691-695. Consequently, there is a need in the art for compositions and methods suitable for treating and/or preventing HIV infection worldwide.
Although there is some discrepancy as to the effectiveness of cell-mediated or antibody-mediated responses in protection against disease, there is general consensus that generation of both cell-mediated and antibody-mediated responses is highly desirable. Antibody mediated responses would inhibit binding of the virus to its targets in vaginal or rectal tissues, i.e., at the site of transmission, whereas cell-mediated responses would play a role in the eradication of infected cells.
Thus, as most HIV infections are transmitted through the female genital tract followed by systemic spread of the virus, induction of local as well as systemic immunity is greatly sought.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising an HIV antigen and a mucosal adjuvant and methods for raising an immune response in a subject by administering these compositions. Preferably, the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention can be used to treat or prevent HIV infection.
HIV antigens suitable for use in this invention include envelope proteins such as gp120 and gp 160 protein, and antigenic fragments and derivatives thereof, such as oligomeric gp140 (Ogp140). Preferably, the antigens of the invention are optimized for immunogenicity.
The pharmaceutical compositions of this invention are suitable for mucosal delivery, preferably intranasal, intra-vaginal and intra-rectal delivery. Mucosal adjuvants suitable for use in this invention include detoxified mutants of E. coli heat labile toxin (LT), such as LTR72 and LTK63.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising an HIV antigen and a mucosal adjuvant and methods for raising an immune response in a subject by administering these compositions. The pharmaceutical compositions of this invention are suitable for mucosal delivery, preferably intranasal, intra-vaginal and intra-rectal delivery. Mucosal adjuvants suitable for use in this invention include detoxified mutants of E. coli heat labile toxin (LT), such as LTR72 and LTK63. In addition, the compositions of this invention can be used in combinations of mucosal prime/systemic boost or systemic prime/mucosal boost.
In order to facilitate an understanding of the invention, selected terms used in the application will be discussed below.
The term “polynucleotide”, as known in the art, generally refers to a nucleic acid molecule. A “polynucleotide” can include both double- and single-stranded sequences and refers to, but is not limited to, cDNA from viral, prokaryotic or eukaryotic MRNA, genomic RNA and DNA sequences from viral (e.g. RNA and DNA viruses and retroviruses) or prokaryotic DNA, and especially synthetic DNA sequences. The term also captures sequences that include any of the known base analogs of DNA and RNA, and includes modifications such as deletions, additions and substitutions (generally conservative in nature), to the native sequence, so long as the nucleic acid molecule encodes a therapeutic or antigenic protein. These modifications may be deliberate, as through site-directed mutagenesis, or may be accidental, such as through mutations of hosts that produce the antigens. Modifications of polynucleotides may have any number of effects including, for example, facilitating expression of the polypeptide product in a host cell.
The polynucleotides used in the present invention include polynucleotides encoding for an immunogenic fragment or derivative thereof. Such immunogenic fragments or derivatives thereof include fragments encoding for a B-cell epitope or a T-cell epitope as discussed below.
As used herein, the terms “polypeptide” and “protein” refer to a polymer of amino acid residues and are not limited to a minimum length of the product. Thus, peptides, oligopeptides, dimers, multimers, and the like, are included within the definition. Both full-length proteins and fragments thereof are encompassed by the definition. The terms also include postexpression modifications of the polypeptide, for example, glycosylation, acetylation, phosphorylation and the like. Furthermore, for purposes of the present invention, a “polypeptide” refers to a protein that includes modifications, such as deletions, additions and substitutions (generally conservative in nature), to the native sequence, so long as the protein maintains the desired activity. These modifications may be deliberate, as through site-directed mutagenesis, or may be accidental, such as through mutations of hosts that produce the proteins or errors due to PCR amplification.
By “isolated” is meant, when referring to a polynucleotide or a polypeptide, that the indicated molecule is separate and discrete from the whole organism with which the molecule is found in nature or, when the polynucleotide or polypeptide is not found in nature, is sufficiently free of other biological macromolecules so that the polynucleotide or polypeptide can be used for its intended purpose.
The phrase “antigen”, as used herein, refers to a molecule containing one or more epitopes (either linear, conformational or both) that will stimulate a host's immune system to make a humoral and/or cellular antigen-specific response. The term is used interchangeably with the term “immunogen.” Normally, a B-cell epitope will include at least about 5 amino acids but can be as small as 3-4 amino acids. A T-cell epitope, such as a CTL epitope, will include at least about 7-9 amino acids, and a helper T-cell epitope at least about 12-20 amino acids. Normally, an epitope will include between about 7 and 15 amino acids, such as, 9, 10, 12 or 15 amino acids. The term “antigen” denotes both subunit antigens, (i.e., antigens which are separate and discrete from a whole organism with which the antigen is associated in nature), as well as, killed, attenuated or inactivated bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites or other microbes.
Furthermore, for purposes of the present invention, an “antigen” refers to a protein that includes modifications, such as deletions, additions and substitutions (generally conservative in nature), to the native sequence, so long as the protein maintains the ability to elicit an immunological response, as defined herein. These modifications may be deliberate, as through site-directed mutagenesis, or may be accidental, such as through mutations of hosts that produce the antigens.
An “immunological response” to an antigen or composition is the development in a subject of a humoral and/or a cellular immune response to an antigen present in the composition of interest. For purposes of the present invention, a “humoral immune response” refers to an immune response mediated by antibody molecules, while a “cellular immune response” is one mediated by T-lymphocytes and/or other white blood cells. One important aspect of cellular immunity involves an antigen-specific response by cytolytic T-cells (“CTL”s). CTLs have specificity for peptide antigens that are presented in association with proteins encoded by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and expressed on the surfaces of cells. CTLs help induce and promote the destruction of intracellular microbes, or the lysis of cells infected with such microbes. Another aspect of cellular immunity involves an antigen-specific response by helper T-cells. Helper T-cells act to help stimulate the function, and focus the activity of, specific effector cells, such as B and plasma cells as well as cytotoxic T cells, against cells displaying peptide antigens in association with MHC molecules on their surface. A “cellular immune response” also refers to the production of cytokines, chemokines and other such molecules produced by activated T-cells and/or other white blood cells, including those derived from CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells. In addition, a chemokine response may be induced by various white blood or endothelial cells in response to an administered antigen.
A composition or vaccine that elicits a cellular immune response may serve to sensitize a vertebrate subject by the presentation of antigen in association with MHC molecules at the cell surface. The cell-mediated immune response is directed at, or near, cells presenting antigen at their surface. In addition, antigen-specific T-lymphocytes can be generated to allow for the future protection of an immunized host.
The ability of a particular antigen to stimulate a cell-mediated immunological response maybe determined by a number of assays, such as by lymphoproliferation (lymphocyte activation) assays, CTL cytotoxic cell assays, or by assaying for T-lymphocytes specific for the antigen in a sensitized subject. Such assays are well known in the art. See, e.g., Erickson et al., J. Immunol. (1993) 151:4189-4199; Doe et al., Eur. J. Immunol. (1994) 24:2369-2376. Recent methods of measuring cell-mediated immune response include measurement of intracellular cytokines or cytokine secretion by T-cell populations (e.g., by ELISPOT technique), or by measurement of epitope specific T-cells (e.g., by the tetramer technique)(reviewed by McMichael, A. J., and O'Callaghan, C. A., J. Exp. Med. 187(9):1367-1371, 1998; Mcheyzer-Williams, M. G., et al, Immunol. Rev. 150:5-21, 1996; Lalvani, A., et al, J. Exp. Med. 186:859-865, 1997).
Thus, an immunological response as used herein may be one that stimulates the production of CTLs, and/or the production or activation of helper T-cells. The production of chemokines and/or cytokines may also be stimulated. The antigen of interest may also elicit an antibody-mediated immune response. Hence, an immunological response may include one or more of the following effects: the production of antibodies by B-cells; and/or the activation of suppressor, cytotoxic, or helper T-cells and/or T-cells directed specifically to an antigen or antigens present in the composition or vaccine of interest. These responses may serve to neutralize infectivity, and/or mediate antibody-complement, or antibody dependent cell cytotoxicity (ADCC) to provide protection to an immunized host. Such responses can be determined using standard immunoassays and neutralization assays, well known in the art.
1. Pharmaceutical Compositions
The antigens used in this invention comprise antigens derived from HIV. Such antigens include, for instance, the structural proteins of HIV, such as Env, Gag and Pol. Preferably, the antigens of this invention comprise an HIV Env protein, such as gp140. Still more preferably, the antigens of this invention are optimized for immunogenicity and oligomerized, such as Ogp140.
The genes of HIV are located in the central region of the proviral DNA and encode at least nine proteins divided into three major classes: (1) the major structural proteins, Gag, Pol, and Env; (2) the regulatory proteins, Tat and Rev and (3) the accessory proteins, Vpu, Vpr, Vif, and Nef. Many variants are known in the art, including HIV_SF2, HIV_IIIb, HIV_SF2, HIV-1_SF162, HIV-I_SF170, HIV_LAV, HIV_LA1, HIV_MN, HIV-1_CM235, HIV-1_US4, other HIV-1 strains from diverse subtypes (e.g., subtypes, A through G, and O), HIV-2 strains and diverse subtypes (e.g., HIV-2_UC1and HIV-2_UC2), and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). (See, e.g., Virology, 3rd Edition (W. K. Joklik ed. 1988); Fundamental Virology, 2nd Edition (B. N. Fields and D. M. Knipe, eds. 1991); Virology, 3rd Edition (Fields, B N, D M Knipe, P M Howley, Editors, 1996, Lippincott-Raven, Philadelphia, Pa.; for a description of these and other related viruses).
In addition, due to the large immunological variability that is found in different geographic regions for the open reading frame of HIV, particular combinations of antigens may be preferred for administration in particular geographic regions. Briefly, at least eight different subtypes of HIV have been identified and, of these, subtype B viruses are more prevalent in North America, Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe, Japan and Australia. Almost every subtype is present in sub-Saharan Africa, with subtypes A and D predominating in central and eastern Africa, and subtype C in southern Africa. Subtype C is also prevalent in India and it has been recently identified in southern Brazil. Subtype E was initially identified in Thailand, and is also present in the Central African Republic. Subtype F was initially described in Brazil and in Romania. The most recent subtypes described are G, found in Russia and Gabon, and subtype H, found in Zaire and in Cameroon. Group O viruses have been identified in Cameroon and also in Gabon. Thus, as will be evident to one of ordinary skill in the art, it is generally preferred to select an HIV antigen that is appropriate to the particular HIV subtype that is prevalent in the geographical region of administration. Subtypes of a particular region may be determined by two-dimensional double immunodiffusion or, by sequencing the HIV genome (or fragments thereof) isolated from individuals within that region. Importantly, we have found that antibodies induced by immunizations with Ogp140 can neutralize various strains of HIV and therefore can be used as a prophylactic vaccine in several regions of the world.
As described above, also presented by HIV are various Gag and Env antigens. HIV-1 Gag proteins are involved in many stages of the life cycle of the virus including, assembly, virion maturation after particle release, and early post-entry steps in virus replication. The roles of HIV-1 Gag proteins are numerous and complex (Freed, E. O. (1998) Virology 251:1-15). For its part, the envelope protein of HIV-1 is a glycoprotein of about 160 kD (gp160). During virus infection of the host cell, gp160 is cleaved by host cell proteases to form gp120 and the integral membrane protein, gp41. The gp41 portion is anchored in (and spans) the membrane bilayer of virion, while the gp120 segment protrudes into the surrounding environment. As there is no covalent attachment between gp120 and gp41, free gp120 is released from the surface of virions and infected cells.
The sequences encoding the open reading frame of the ectodomain of the Env protein (gp140) from the HIV-1_US4strain were codon-optimized as described elsewhere [Haas, 1996 #562; zur Megede, 2000 #1451], and constructed synthetically as a 2.1 kb EcoR1-Xba1 DNA fragment (Midland Reagent Company, Midland, Tex.). This gene cassette contained the protein-encoding region of the Env protein fused in frame to the human tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) signal sequence as previously described [Chapman, 1991 #1550]. In order to stabilize the oligomeric structure of the encoded gp140 protein, the DNA sequence was mutated to introduce an arginine to serine change in the primary protease cleavage site (REKR) in the Env polypeptide [Earl, 1990 #2906](FIG. 1A). The resulting Env expression cassette (gp140) was cloned into the EcoR1-Xba1 sites of the pCMV3 expression vector for the derivation of stable CHO cell lines. This vector contains the CMV enhancer/promoter elements, an ampicillin resistance gene, and sequences encoding a fusion protein composed of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) and an attenuated neomycin resistance protein.
At least one immunogenic portion of an HIV antigen may be used for mucosal immunization. As utilized herein, “immunogenic portion” refers to a portion of the respective antigen that is capable, under the appropriate conditions, of causing an immune response (i.e., cell-mediated or humoral). The immunogenic portion(s) used for immunization may be of varying length, although it is generally preferred that the portions be at least 9 amino acids long and may include the entire antigen. Immunogenicity of a particular sequence is often difficult to predict, although T cell epitopes may be predicted utilizing computer algorithms such as TSITES (MedImmune, Maryland), in order to scan coding regions for potential T-helper sites and CTL sites. From this analysis, peptides are synthesized and used as targets in an in vitro cytotoxic assay. Other assays, however, may also be utilized, including, for example, ELISA, or ELISPOT, which detects the presence of antibodies against the newly introduced vector, as well as assays which test for T helper cells, such as gamma-interferon assays, IL-2 production assays and proliferation assays.
Immunogenic portions may also be selected by other methods. For example, the HLA A2.1 transgenic mouse has been shown to be useful as a model for human T-cell recognition of viral antigens. Briefly, in the influenza and hepatitis B viral systems, the murine T cell receptor repertoire recognizes the same antigenic determinants recognized by human T cells. In both systems, the CTL response generated in the HLA A2.1 transgenic mouse is directed toward virtually the same epitope as those recognized by human CTLs of the HLA A2.1 haplotype (Vitiello et al. (1991) J. Exp. Med. 173:1007-1015; Vitiello et al. (1992) Abstract of Molecular Biology of Hepatitis B Virus Symposia).
Additional immunogenic portions of the HIV antigens described herein may be obtained by truncating the coding sequence at various locations including, for example, to include one or more epitopes from the various domains of the HIV genome. As noted above, such domains include structural domains such as Gag, Gag-polymerase, Gag-protease, reverse transcriptase (RT), integrase (IN) and Env. The structural domains are often further subdivided into polypeptides, for example, p55, p24, p6 (Gag); p160, p10, p15, p31, p65 (pol, prot, RT and IN); and gp160, gp120 and gp41 (Ems) or Ogp140 as constructed by Chiron Corporation. Additional epitopes of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases are known or can be readily determined using methods known in the art. Also included in the invention are molecular variants of such polypeptides, for example as described in PCT/US99/31245; PCT/US99/31273 and PCT/US99/31272.
Preferably, the antigens of this invention are optimized for immunogenicity, such as Ogp140.
As used herein, the phrase “optimized” refers to an increase in the immunogenicity of the proteins, so that they can induce higher quantity and quality of antibodies. Moreover, polynucleotide sequences that can encode Ogp140 can be optimized by codon substitution of wild type sequences. Haas, et al., (Current Biology 6(3):315-324, 1996) suggested that selective codon usage by HIV-1 appeared to account for a substantial fraction of the inefficiency of viral protein synthesis. Andre, et al., (J. Virol. 72(2):1497-1503, 1998) described an increased immune response elicited by DNA vaccination employing a synthetic gp120 sequence with optimized codon usage. Schneider, et al. (J. Virol. 71(7):4892-4903, 1997) discuss inactivation of inhibitory (or instability) elements (INS) located within the coding sequences of the Gag and Gag-protease coding sequences.
The sequences encoding codon-optimized gp140 were cloned into an expression vector for the evaluation of Env expression in transient transfection experiments and for protein purification. To facilitate the efficient secretion of recombinant Ogp140 protein, the native HIV signal sequence was replaced by the human tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) signal sequence. The effect of codon optimization on gp140 expression was determined by transient transfection of 293 cells with codon-optimized and native (non-codon optimized) gp140 constructs and, comparison of expression levels by a capture ELISA and immunoblotting. It was shown previously that sequence modification of HIV gag dramatically improved the level of expression [zur Megede, 2000 #1451], similarly, codon optimization also improved the expression of gp140 4 to 10 fold compared to the native construct [Haas, 1996 #562]. Using such sequence-modified constructs we developed stable CHO cell lines secreting 5-15 μg/ml of o-gp140 and gp120. The antigenicity of oligomeric gp140 with and without a point mutation (R509 to S509) in the gp120/g41 primary protease cleavage site was also evaluated by transiently transfecting the 293 cells. Expression and structural characterization data indicated that the native form of the HIV-1 ectodomain-encoding region did not form gp140 oligomers efficiently (only about 50% of the expressed protein was found to be in oligomeric conformation). In contrast, the single R to S mutation in the protease cleavage site resulted in the expression of stable gp140 protein in its oligomeric conformation. Therefore, the constructs employing the protease cleavage site mutation were used for the derivation of stable CHO cell lines for protein production. Cell lines were also derived for the monomeric US4 gp120. Expression for these stable CHO cell lines ranged from 1-15 ug/ml of secreted Env glycoprotein.
The antigens in the immunogenic compositions will typically be in the form of HIV proteins. The proteins can, of course, be prepared by various means (e.g. native expression, recombinant expression, purification from cell culture culture, chemical synthesis etc.) and in various forms (e.g. native, fusions etc.). They are preferably prepared in substantially pure form (i.e. substantially free from other bacterial or host cell proteins).
The invention further includes polynucleotides encoding for either one or both of the antigens or adjuvants of the invention. Both the antigens and the adjuvants on the invention can be administered in polynucleotide form. The antigens and/or adjuvants of the invention are then expressed in vivo.
The antigens and/or adjuvants of the invention can also be delivered using one or more gene vectors, administered via nucleic acid immunization or the like using standard gene delivery protocols. Methods for gene delivery are known in the art. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,399,346, 5,580,859, 5,589,466. The constructs can be delivered either subcutaneously, epidermally, intradermally, intramuscularly, intravenous, mucosally (such as nasally, rectally and vaginally), intraperitoneally, orally or combinations thereof. Preferably, the constructs are delivered mucosally. More preferably, the contructs are delivered intranasally, intravaginally, or intrarectally.
An exemplary replication-deficient gene delivery vehicle that may be used in the practice of the present invention is any of the alphavirus vectors, described in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,342,372; 6,329,201 and International Publication WO 01/92552.
A number of viral based systems have been developed for gene transfer into mammalian cells. For example, retroviruses provide a convenient platform for gene delivery systems. Selected sequences can be inserted into a vector and packaged in retroviral particles using techniques known in the art. The recombinant virus can then be isolated and delivered to cells of the subject either in vivo or ex vivo. A number of retroviral systems have been described (U.S. Pat. No. 5,219,740; Miller and Rosman, BioTechniques (1989) 7:980-990; Miller, A. D., Human Gene Therapy (1990) 1:5-14; Scarpa et al., Virology (1991) 180:849-852; Burns et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (1993) 90:8033-8037; and Boris-Lawrie and Temin, Cur. Opin. Genet. Develop. (1993) 3:102-109.
A number of adenovirus vectors have also been described. Unlike retroviruses which integrate into the host genome, adenoviruses persist extrachromosomally thus minimizing the risks associated with insertional mutagenesis (Haj-Ahmad and Graham, J. Virol. (1986) 57:267-274; Bett et al., J. Virol. (1993) 67:5911-5921; Mittereder et al., Human Gene Therapy (1994) 5:717-729; Seth et al., J. Virol. (1994) 68:933-940; Barr et al., Gene Therapy (1994) 1:51-58; Berkner, K. L. BioTechniques (1988) 6:616-629; and Rich et al., Human Gene Therapy (1993) 4:461-476).
Additionally, various adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector systems have been developed for gene delivery. AAV vectors can be readily constructed using techniques well known in the art. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,173,414 and 5,139,941; International Publication Nos. WO 92/01070 (published 23 Jan. 1992) and WO 93/03769 (published 4 Mar. 1993); Lebkowski et al., Molec. Cell. Biol. (1988) 8:3988-3996; Vincent et al. Vaccines 90 (1990) (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press); Carter, B. J. Current Opinion in Biotechnology (1992) 3:533-539; Muzyczka, N. Current Topics in Microbiol. and Immunol. (1992) 158:97-129; Kotin, R. M. Human Gene Therapy (1994) 5:793-801; Shelling and Smith, Gene Therapy (1994) 1:165-169; and Zhou et al., J. Exp. Med. (1994) 179:1867-1875.
Another vector system useful for delivering polynucleotides, mucosally and otherwise, is the enterically administered recombinant poxvirus vaccines described by Small, Jr., P. A., et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,676,950, issued Oct. 14, 1997, herein incorporated by reference) as well as the vaccinia virus and avian poxviruses. By way of example, vaccinia virus recombinants expressing the genes can be constructed as follows. The DNA encoding the antigens and/or adjuvants of the invention is first inserted into an appropriate vector so that it is adjacent to a vaccinia promoter and flanking vaccinia DNA sequences, such as the sequence encoding thymidine kinase (TK). This vector is then used to transfect cells that are simultaneously infected with vaccinia. Homologous recombination serves to insert the vaccinia promoter plus the gene encoding the coding sequences of interest into the viral genome. The resulting TK⁻ recombinant can be selected by culturing the cells in the presence of 5-bromodeoxyuridine and picking viral plaques resistant thereto.
Alternatively, avipoxviruses, such as the fowlpox and canarypox viruses, can also be used to deliver genes encoding the antigens and/or adjuvants of the invention. Recombinant avipox viruses, expressing immunogens from mammalian pathogens, are known to confer protective immunity when administered to non-avian species; The use of an avipox vector is particularly desirable in human and other mammalian species since members of the avipox genus can only productively replicate in susceptible avian species and therefore are not infective in mammalian cells. Methods for producing recombinant avipoxviruses are known in the art and employ genetic recombination, as described above with respect to the production of vaccinia viruses. See, e.g., WO 91/12882; WO 89/03429; and WO 92/03545. Picornavirus-derived vectors can also be used. (See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,614,413 and 6,063,384).
Molecular conjugate vectors, such as the adenovirus chimeric vectors described in Michael et al., J. Biol. Chem. (1993) 268:6866-6869 and Wagner et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (1992) 89:6099-6103, can also be used for gene delivery.
A vaccinia based infection/transfection system can be conveniently used to provide for inducible, transient expression of the coding sequences of interest (for example, sequences encoding the antigens or adjuvants of the invention) in a host cell. In this system, cells are first infected in vitro with a vaccinia virus recombinant that encodes the bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase. This polymerase displays exquisite specificity in that it only transcribes templates bearing T7 promoters. Following infection, cells are transfected with the polynucleotide of interest, driven by a T7 promoter. The polymerase expressed in the cytoplasm from the vaccinia virus recombinant transcribes the transfected DNA into RNA that is then translated into protein by the host translational machinery. The method provides for high level, transient, cytoplasmic production of large quantities of RNA and its translation products. See, e.g., Elroy-Stein and Moss, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (1990) 87:6743-6747; Fuerst et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (1986) 83:8122-8126.
As an alternative approach to infection with vaccinia or avipox virus recombinants, or to the delivery of genes using other viral vectors, an amplification system can be used that will lead to high level expression following introduction into host cells. Specifically, a T7 RNA polymerase promoter preceding the coding region for T7 RNA polymerase can be engineered. Translation of RNA derived from this template will generate T7 RNA polymerase that in turn will transcribe more template. Concomitantly, there will be a cDNA whose expression is under the control of the T7 promoter. Thus, some of the T7 RNA polymerase generated from translation of the amplification template RNA will lead to transcription of the desired gene. Because some T7 RNA polymerase is required to initiate the amplification, T7 RNA polymerase can be introduced into cells along with the template(s) to prime the transcription reaction. The polymerase can be introduced as a protein or on a plasmid encoding the RNA polymerase. For a further discussion of T7 systems and their use for transforming cells, see, e.g., International Publication No. WO 94/26911; Studier and Moffatt, J. Mol. Biol. (1986) 189:113-130; Deng and Wolff, Gene (1994) 143:245-249; Gao et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. (1994) 200:1201-1206; Gao and Huang, Nuc. Acids Res. (1993) 21:2867-2872; Chen et al., Nuc. Acids Res. (1994) 22:2114-2120; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,135,855.
Other antigens which may advantageously be included in compositions of the invention are:

- a protein antigen from N. meningitidis serogroup B, such as those in refs. International patent application WO99/24578; International patent application WO99/36544; International patent application WO99/57280; International patent application WO00/22430; Tettelin et al. (2000) Science 287:1809-1815; International patent application WO96/29412; Pizza et al. (2000) Science 287:1816-1820 with protein ‘287’ (see below) and derivatives (e.g. ‘?G287’) being particularly preferred.
- an outer-membrane vesicle (OMV) preparation from N. meningitidis serogroup B, such as those disclosed in refs. International patent application PCT/IB01/00166; Bjune et al. (1991) Lancet 338(8775):1093-1096; Fukasawa et al. (1999) Vaccine 17:2951-2958; Rosenqvist et al. (1998) Dev. Biol. Stand. 92:323-333; etc.
- a saccharide antigen from N. meninigitidis serogroup A, C, W135 and/or Y, such as the oligosaccharide disclosed in ref. i from serogroup C [see also ref Costantino et al. (1999) Vaccine 17:1251-1263].
- a saccharide antigen from Streptococcus pneumoniae [e.g., Watson (2000) Pediatr Infect Dis J 19:331-332; Rubin (2000) Pediatr Clin North Am 47:269-285, v.; Jedrzejas (2001) Microbiol Biol Rev 65:187-207.
- an antigen from hepatitis A virus, such as inactivated virus [e.g. Bell (2000) Pediatr Infect Dis J 19:1187-1188; Iwarson (1995) APMIS 103:321-326.
- an antigen from hepatitis B virus, such as the surface and/or core antigens [e.g. Iwarson (1995) APMIS 103:321-326; Gerlich et al. (1990) Vaccine 8 Suppl:S63-68 & 79-80.]
- an antigen from hepatitis C virus [e.g. Hsu et al. (1999) Clin Liver Dis 3:901-915.].
- an antigen from Bordetella pertussis, such as pertussis holotoxin (PT) and filamentous haemagglutinin (FHA) from B. pertussis, optionally also in combination with pertactin and/or agglutinogens 2 and 3 [e.g. refs. Gustafsson et al. (1996) N. Engl. J. Med. 334:349-355; Rappuoli et al (1991) TIBTECH 9:232-238.]
- a diphtheria antigen, such as a diphtheria toxoid [e.g. chapter 3 of Vaccines (1988) eds. Plotkin & Mortimer. ISBN 0-7216-1946-0.] e.g. the CRM₁₉₇mutant [e.g. Del Guidice et al. (1998) Molecular Aspects of Medicine 19:1-70.].
- a tetanus antigen, such as a tetanus toxoid [e.g. chapter 4 of Vaccines (1988) eds. Plotkin & Mortimer. ISBN 0-7216-19464-0.].
- a saccharide antigen from Haemophilus influenzae B [e.g. Costantino et al. (1999) Vaccine 17:1251-1263].
- an antigen from N. gonorrhoeae [e.g. International patent application WO99/24578; International patent application WO99/36544; International patent application WO99/57280].
- an antigen from Chlamydia pneumoniae [e.g. International patent application PCT/IB01/01445; Kalman et al. (1999) Nature Genetics 21:385-389; Read et al. (2000) Nucleic Acids Res 28:1397-406; Shirai et al. (2000) J. Infect. Dis. 181(Suppl 3):S524-S527; International patent application WO99/27105; International patent application WO00/27994; International patent application WO00/37494].
- an antigen from Chlamydia trachomatis [e.g. International patent application WO99/28475].
- an antigen from Porphyromonas gingivalis [e.g. Ross et al. (2001) Vaccine 19:4135-4142].
- polio anitigen(s) [e.g. Sutter et al. (2000) Pediatr Clin North Am 47:287-308; Zimmerman & Spann (1999) Am Fam Physician 59:113-118, 125-126] such as IPV or OPV.
- rabies antigen(s) [e.g. Dreesen (1997) Vaccine 15 Suppl:S2-6] such as lyophilised inactivated virus [e.g. 77, RabAvert™].
- measles, mumps and/or rubella antigens [e.g. chapters 9, 10 & 11 of Vaccines (1988) eds. Plotkin & Mortimer. ISBN 0-7216-1946-0].
- influenza antigen(s) [e.g. chapter 19 of [63] Vaccines (1988) eds. Plotkin & Mortimer. ISBN 0-7216-1946-0.], such as the haemagglutinin and/or neuraminidase surface proteins.
- an antigen from Moraxella catarrhalis [e.g. McMichael (2000) Vaccine 19 Suppl 1:S101-107].
- an antigen from Streptococcus agalactiae (group B streptococcus) [e.g. Schuchat (1999) Lancet 353(9146):51-6; International patent application PCT/GB01/04789].
- an antigen from Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus) [e.g. International patent application PCT/GB01/04789; Dale (1999) Infect Dis Clin North Am 13:227-43, viii; Ferretti et al. (2001) PNAS USA 98: 4658-4663].
- an antigen from Staphlylococcus aureus [e.g. Kuroda et al. (2001) Lancet 357(9264):1225-1240; see also pages 1218-1219].
- LTK63 and LTR72 (discussed infra).

Where a saccharide or carbohydrate antigen is included, it is preferably conjugated to a carrier protein in order to enhance immunogenicity [Ramsay et al. (2001) Lancet 357(9251):195-196. See also: Lindberg (1999) Vaccine 17 Suppl 2:S28-36; Conjugate Vaccines (eds. Cruse et al.) ISBN 3805549326, particularly vol. 10:48-114 etc.]. Preferred carrier proteins are bacterial toxins or toxoids, such as diphtheria, cholera, E. coli heat labile or tetanus toxoids. The CRM₁₉₇diphtheria toxoid is particularly preferred. Other suitable carrier proteins include the N. meninigitidis outer membrane protein [European patent application 0372501], synthetic peptides [European patent applications 0378881 & 0427347], heat shock proteins [International patent application WO93/17712], pertussis proteins [International patent application WO98/58668; see also EP-04711771, protein D from H. influenzae [International patent application WO00/56360.], toxin A or B from C. difficile [International patent application WO00/61761], etc. Any suitable conjugation reaction can be used, with any suitable linker where necessary.
Toxic protein antigens may be detoxified where necessary (e.g. detoxification of pertussis toxin by chemical and/or genetic means).
Where a diphtheria antigen is included in the composition it is preferred also to include tetanus antigen and pertussis antigens. Similarly, where a tetanus antigen is included it is preferred also to include diphtheria and pertussis antigens. Similarly, where a pertussis antigen is included it is preferred also to include diphtheria and tetanus antigens.
The compositions of this invention also include a mucosal adjuvant.
As used herein, the phrase “mucosal adjuvant” refers to an adjuvant suitable for mucosal delivery. Preferably, the adjuvant is suitable for intranasal, intra-vaginal or intra-rectal delivery.
The phrase “mucosal delivery” refers to delivery or administration of a pharmaceutical composition or a vaccine via one or more mucosal routes. Mucosal routes suitable for use in this invention include but are not limited to oral, intranasal, intragastric, pulmonary, intestinal, rectal, ocular, and vaginal. In a preferred embodiment, the mucosal route is intranasal.
Where the mucosal delivery is by an intranasal route, the vaccine of the invention may be in the form of a nasal spray, nasal drops, gel or powder.
Where the vaccine is for oral route, for instance, it may be in the form of tablets or capsules (optionally enteric-coated), liquid, transgenic plants, etc.
Mucosal adjuvants suitable for use in the invention include but are not limited to E. coli heat-labile enterotoxins (“LT”), or detoxified mutants thereof, such as the K63 or R72 mutants.
E. coli heat-labile toxins are generally ADP-ribosylating bacterial toxins. These toxins are composed of a monomeric, enymatically active A subunit which is responsible for ADP-ribosylation of GTP-binding proteins, and a non-toxic B subunit which binds receptors on the surface of the target cell and delivers the A subunit across the cell membrane. The A subunit of wildtype LT is known to increase intracellular cAMP levels in target cells, which the B subunit is pentameric and is thought to bind to GM1 ganglioside receptors. (LT-B is also thought to bind to additional receptors).
Generally, the wildtype ADP-ribosylating toxins are too toxic for use in humans. One approach to eliminate or decrease the toxicity of these proteins is to mutate one or more amino acids in the A subunit. Detoxified ADP-ribosylating toxin mutants are known in the art, including LTK63 and LTR72. See, e.g., WO 98/42375, WO98/18928, and WO 97/02348.
As used herein, “detoxified” refers to both completely nontoxic and low residual toxic mutants of the toxin in question. Preferably, the detoxified protein retains a toxicity of less than 0.01% of the naturally occurring toxin counterpart, more preferably less than 0.001% and even more preferably, less than 0.0001% of the toxicity of the naturally occurring toxin counterpart. The toxicity may be measured in mouse CHO cells or preferably by evaluation of the morphological changes in T1 cells. In particular, Y1 cells are adrenal tumor epithelial cells which become markedly more rounded when treated with a solution containing LT. (Ysamure et al., Cancer Res. (1966) 26:529-535). The toxicity of LT is correlated with this morphological transition. Thus, the mutant toxins may be incubated with Y1 cells and the morphological changes of the cells assessed.
The term “toxoid” as used herein generally refers to a genetically detoxified toxin.
Regarding the present invention, any detoxified mutant of an E. coli heat labile toxin can be used as a mucosal adjuvant. Such mutants optionally comprise one or more amino acid additions, deletions or substitutions that result in a molecule having reduced toxicity while retaining adjuvanticity. If an amino acid is substituted for the wild-type amino acid, such substitutions may be with a naturally occurring amino acid or may be with a modified or synthetic amino acid. Substitutions which alter the amphotericity and hydrophilicity while retaining the steric effect of the substituting amino acid as far as possible are generally preferred.
The mutants used in the compositions and methods of the invention are preferably in the form of a holotoxin, comprising the mutated A subunit and the B subunit, which may be oligomeric, as in the wild-type holotoxin. The B subunit is preferably not mutated. However, it is envisaged that a mutated A subunit may be used in isolation from the B subunit, either in an essentially pure form or complexed with other agents, which may replace the B subunit and/or its functional contribution.
Preferred LT mutants for use in the methods and compositions of the invention include mutants with one or more of the following mutations: a mutation in the A subunit of the serine at position 63, and a mutation in the A subunit of the alanine at position 72, both numbered relative to the Domenighini reference discussed below. Preferably, the serine at position 63 is replaced with a lysine and the alanine at position 72 is replaced with arginine.
For purposes of the present invention, the numbering of LT corresponds to the LT sequences set forth in Domenighini et al., Molecular Microbiol. (1995) 15:1165-1167. This Domenighini reference is incorporated by reference in its entirety in this application. Specifically, the LT sequences set forth and described in this Domenighini reference are specifically incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
Other mucosal adjuvants suitable for use in the invention include cholera toxin (“CT”) or detoxified mutants thereof and microparticles (i.e., a particle of about 100 nm to about 150 μm in diameter, more preferably about 200 nmn to about 30 μm in diameter, and still more preferably about 500 nm to about 10 μm in diameter) formed from materials that are biodegradable and non-toxic (e.g., a poly(α-hydroxy acid), a polyhydroxybutyric acid, a polyorthoester, a polyanhydride, a polycaprolactone, etc.).
Preferably, the mucosal adjuvants of the invention are LT mutants such as the R72 and the K63 mutants.
Microparticles can also be used in the invention as mucosal adjuvants. These are preferably derived from a poly(a-hydroxy acid), in particular, from a poly(lactide) (“PLA”), a copolymer of D,L-lactide and glycolide or glycolic acid, such as a poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (“PLG” or “PLGA”), or a copolymer of D,L-lactide and caprolactone. The microparticles may be derived from any of various polymeric starting materials which have a variety of molecular weights and, in the case of the copolymers such as PLG, a variety of lactide:glycolide ratios, the selection of which will be largely a matter of choice, depending in part on the coadministered antigen. The antigen may be entrapped within the microparticles, or may be adsorbed onto their surfact.
One or more HIV antigens can be used in the vaccine and methods of this invention. For instance, Ogp140 antigens can be used with gag antigens. In this embodiment, the Ogp140-containing and the gag-containing microparticles may be a mixture of two distinct populations of microparticles, the first containing Ogp140 and the second containing gag. Alternatively, the microparticles may be present as a single population, with Ogp140 and gag (and any further antigens) distributed evenly.
LT mutants may advantageously be used in combination with microparticle-entrapped antigen, resulting in significantly enhanced immune responses.
Optionally, an immuno-modulatory factor may be added to the pharmaceutical composition.
As used here, an “immuno-modulatory factor” refers to a molecule, for example a protein that is capable of modulating an immune response. Non-limiting examples of immunomodulatory factors include lymphokines (also known as cytokines), such as IL-6, TGF-β, IL-1, IL-2, IL-3, etc.); and chemokines (e.g., secreted proteins such as macrophage inhibiting factor). Certain cytokines, for example TRANCE, flt-3L, and a secreted form of CD40L are capable of enhancing the immunostimulatory capacity of APCs. Non-limiting examples of cytokines which may be used alone or in combination in the practice of the present invention include, interleukin-2 (IL-2), stem cell factor (SCF), interleukin 3 (IL-3), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 12 (IL-12), G-CSF, granulocyte macropliage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1α), interleukin-11 (IL-11), MIP-1γ, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), c-kit ligand, thrombopoietin (TPO), CD40 ligand (CD40L), tumor necrosis factor-related activation-induced cytokine (TRANCE) and flt3 ligand (flt-3L). Cytokines are comrmercially available from several vendors such as, for example, Genzyme (Framingham, Mass.), Amgen (Thousand Oaks, Calif.), R&D Systems and Immunex (Seattle, Wash.). The sequences of many of these molecules are also available, for example, from the GenBank database. It is intended, although not always explicitly stated, that molecules having similar biological activity as wild-type or purified cytokines (e.g., recombinantly produced or mutants thereof) and nucleic acid encoding these molecules are intended to be used within the spirit and scope of the invention.
The compositions of the invention will typically be formulated with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or diluents. As used herein, the term “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” refers to a carrier for administration of the antigens which does not itself induce the production of antibodies harmful to the individual receiving the composition, and which may be administered without undue toxicity. Suitable carriers may be large, slowly metabolized macromolecules such as proteins, polysaccharides, polylactic acids, polyglycolic acids, polymeric amino acids, amino acid copolymers, and inactive virus particles. Examples of particulate carriers include those derived from polymethyl methacrylate polymers, as well as microparticles derived from poly(lactides) and poly(lactide-co-glycolides), known as PLG. See, e.g., Jeffery et al., Pharm. Res. (1993) 10:362-368; McGee et al. (1997) J Microencapsul. 14(2):197-210; O'Hagan et al. (1993) Vaccine 1 (2):149-54. Such carriers are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Additionally, these carriers may function as immunostimulating agents (“adjuvants”). Furthermore, the antigen may be conjugated to a bacterial toxoid, such as toxoid from diphtheria, tetanus, cholera, etc., as well as toxins derived from E. coli.
Pharmaceutically acceptable salts can be used therein, for example, mineral acid salts such as hydrochlorides, hydrobromides, phosphates, sulfates, and the like; and the salts of organic acids such as acetates, propionates, malonates, benzoates, and the like. A thorough discussion of acceptable excipients is available in the well-known Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers in therapeutic compositions may contain liquids such as water, saline, glycerol and ethanol. Additionally, auxiliary substances, such as wetting or emulsifying agents, pH buffering substances, and the like, may be present in such vehicles.
By “pharmaceutically acceptable” or “pharmacologically acceptable” is meant a material which is not biologically or otherwise undesirable, i.e., the material may be administered to an individual in a formulation or composition without causing any undesirable biological effects or interacting in a deleterious manner with any of the components of the composition in which it is contained.
Further, the compositions described herein can include various excipients, adjuvants, carriers, auxiliary substances, modulating agents, and the like. Preferably, the compositions will include an amount of the antigen sufficient to mount an immunological response. An appropriate effective amount can be determined by one of skill in the art. Such an amount will fall in a relatively broad range that can be determined through routine trials and will generally be an amount on the order of about 0.1 μg to about 1000 μg, more preferably about 1 μg to about 300 μg, of particle/antigen.
As set forth above, preferred mucosal adjuvants for use in this invention include detoxified mutants of E. coli heat labile toxin (LT), such as LTR72 and LTK63.
Additional adjuvants may also be used in the invention. Such adjuvants include, but are not limited to: (1) cytokines, such as interleukins (IL-1, IL-2, etc.), macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), beta chemokines (MIP, 1-alpha, 1-beta Rantes, etc.); (2) detoxified mutants of a bacterial ADP-ribosylating toxin such as a cholera toxin (CT), a pertussis toxin (PT), or an E. coli heat-labile toxin (LT), particularly LT-K63 (where lysine is substituted for the wild-type amino acid at position 63) LT-R72 (where arginine is substituted for the wild-type amino acid at position 72), CT-S109 (where serine is substituted for the wild-type amino acid at position 109), and PT-K9/G129 (where lysine is substituted for the wild-type amino acid at position 9 and glycine substituted at position 129) (see, e.g., International Publication Nos. WO93/13202; WO92/19265; WO 95/17211; WO 98/18928 and WO 01/22993); and (3) other substances that act as immunostimulating agents to enhance the effectiveness of the composition; oligodeoxy nucleotides containing immunostimulatory CpG motifs (Cpg); or combinations of any of the above.
2. Methods
The compositions disclosed herein can be administered to a subject to generate an immune response. Preferably, the composition can be used as a vaccine to treat or prevent HIV infection.
As used herein, “subject” is meant any member of the subphylum chordata, including, without limitation, humans and other primates, including non-human primates such as chimpanzees and other apes and monkey species; farm animals such as cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and horses; domestic mammals such as dogs and cats; laboratory animals including rodents such as mice, rats and guinea pigs; birds, including domestic, wild and game birds such as chickens, turkeys and other gallinaceous birds, ducks, geese, and the like. The term does not denote a particular age. Thus, both adult and newborn individuals are intended to be covered. The system described above is intended for use in any of the above vertebrate species, since the immune systems of all of these vertebrates operate similarly.
The compositions will include “immunologically effective amounts” of HIV antigen i.e. amounts sufficient to raise a specific immune response or, more preferably, to treat, reduce, or prevent HIV infection. An immune response can be detected by looking for antibodies to the HIV antigen used (e.g. IgG or IgA) in patient samples (e.g. in blood or serum, in mesenteric lymph nodes, in spleen, in gastric mucosa, and/or in faeces). The precise effective amount for a given patient will depend upon the patient's age, size, health, the nature and extent of the condition, the precise composition selected for administration, the patient's taxonomic group, the capacity of the patient's immune system to synthesize antibodies, the degree of protection desired, the formulation of the vaccine, the treating physician's assessment of the medical situation, and other relevant factors. Thus, it is not useful to specify an exact effective amount in advance, but the amount will fall in a relatively broad range that can be determined through routine trials, and is within the judgement of the clinician. For purposes of the present invention, an effective dose will typically be from about 0.01 mg/kg to 50 mg/kg in the individual to which it is administered.
3. Techniques and Further Definitions
The practice of the present invention will employ, unless otherwise indicated, conventional techniques of molecular biology, microbiology, recombinant DNA, and immunology, which are within the skill of the art. Such techniques are explained fully in the literature eg. Sambrook Molecular Cloning, A Laboratory Manual, Second Edition (1989); DNA Cloning, Volumes I and II (D. N Glover ed. 1985); Oligonucleotide Synthesis (M. J. Gait ed, 1984); Nucleic Acid Hybridization (B. D. Hames & S. J. Higgins eds. 1984); Transcription and Translation (B. D. Hames & S. J. Higgins eds. 1984); Animal Cell Culture (R. I. Freshney ed. 1986); Immobilized Cells and Enzymes (IRL Press, 1986); B. Perbal, A Practical Guide to Molecular Cloning (1984); the Methods in Enzymology series (Academic Press, Inc.), especially volumes 154 & 155; Gene Transfer Vectors for Mammalian Cells (J. H. Miller & M. P. Calos eds. 1987, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory); Mayer & Walker, eds. (1987), Immunochemical Methods in Cell and Molecular Biology (Academic Press, London); Scopes, (1987) Protein Purification: Principles and Practice, Second Edition (Springer-Verlag, N.Y.), and Handbook of Experimental Immunology, Volumes I-IV (Weir & Blackwell eds 1986).
The term “comprising” means “including” as well as “consisting”, so a composition “comprising” X may consist exclusively of X or may include something additional e.g. X+Y.
A composition containing X is “substantially free” from Y when at least 85% by weight of the total X+Y in the composition is X. Preferably, X comprises at least ˜90% by weight of the total of X+Y in the composition, more preferably at least ˜95% or even 99% by weight.
All publications, patents and patent applications cited herein, whether supra or infra, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

EXAMPLE

The following example is offered by way of illustration, and not by way of limitation.
This example demonstrates the induction of an immune response in rhesus macaques through mucosal immunization with HIV-1 gag and HIV-1 Ogp140.
Two groups of rhesus macaques were immunized intranasally (IN) with a combination of HIV-1gag p24) and HIV-1 Ogp. Each group contained two animals. The animals in Group One were immunized in the presence of LTK63. The animals in Group Two were immunized in the presence of LTR72. The formulations used for each group are set forth below in Table 1.

TABLE 1

Immunization Formulations

Ogp140 gag LTK63 LTR72

Group One 300 μg 300 μg 100 μg —

Group Two 300 μg 300 μg 100 μg —

Group Three 300 μg 300 μg — 100 μg

Group Four 300 μg 300 μg — 100 μg
An antibody mediated response was observed after the course of five immunizations. Serum IgG titers for each animal two weeks post the fourth immunization (2wp4) and two weeks post the fifth immunization (2wp5) are set forth in Tables 2 and 3 below. Table 2 contains the anti-Ogp140 antibody titers. Table 3 contains the anti-gag (p24) antibody titers. Vaginal wash IgA titers for each animal are set forth in Tables 4 and 5 below. Table 4 contains the anti-Ogp antibody titers. Table 5 contains the anti-gag (p24) antibody titers.

TABLE 2

Serum Anti-Ogp140 IgG Titers

2wp4 2wp5

Group One

Animal One 2,165 4,996

Animal Two 21,573 6,528

Group Two

Animal One 464 712

Animal Two 7,425 3,665

TABLE 3


Serum Anti-gag (p24) IgG Titers

	2wp4	2wp5

Group One
Animal One	44	1326
Animal Two	553	813
Group Two
Animal One	30	164
Animal Two	353	4877

TABLE 4


Vaginal Wash Anti-Ogp140 IgA Titers

	2wp4	2wp5

Group One
Animal One	1333	35
Animal Two	154	135
Group Two
Animal One	95	217
Animal Two	86	335

TABLE 5


Vaginal Wash Anti-gag (p24) IgA Titers

	2wp4	2wp5

Group One
Animal One	16	2
Animal Two	2.5	1.5
Group Two
Animal One	17	4
Animal Two	15.5	67

Claims

1. A composition suitable for mucosal delivery comprising an HIV envelope antigen and a detoxified mutant A subunit of E. coli heat labile toxin (LT) selected from one or more of the group consisting of LTK63 and LTR72.

2. The composition of claim 1, wherein said heat labile toxin is LTK63.

3. The composition of claim 1, wherein said heat labile toxin is LTR72.

4. The composition of claim 1, wherein said toxin comprises a holotoxin of said E. coli heat labile toxin.

5. The composition of claim 1, wherein said envelope protein is selected from the group consisting of gp120, gp160 and ogp140.

6. The composition of claim 1, wherein said HIV envelope antigen is optimized for immunogenicity.

7. The composition of claim 1, wherein said composition further comprises a second HIV antigen.

8. The composition of claim 7, wherein said second HIV antigen is optimized for immunogenicity.

9. The composition of claim 7, wherein said second HIV antigen is selected from one or more of the group consisting of HIV structural proteins, HIV regulatory proteins, and HIV accessory proteins.

10. The composition of claim 9, wherein said HIV structural protein is selected from the group consisting of Gag, Pol and envelope.

11. The composition of claim 9, wherein said HIV regulatory protein is selected from the group consisting of Tat and Rev.

12. The composition of claim 9, wherein said HIV accessory protein is selected from the group consisting of Vpu, Vpr, Vif, and Nef.

13. The composition of claim 10, wherein said second HIV antigen is gag.

14. The composition of claim 1, wherein said composition is suitable for intranasal delivery.

15. The composition of claim 1, wherein said composition is suitable for intra-vaginal delivery.

16. The composition of claim 1, wherein said composition is suitable for intra-rectal delivery.

17. A composition suitable for mucosal delivery comprising a polynucleotide encoding for an HIV envelope protein and a detoxified mutant A subunit of E. coli heat labile toxin (LT) selected from one or more of the group consisting of LTK63 and LTR72.

18. A composition suitable for mucosal delivery comprising an HIV envelope protein and a polynucleotide encoding a detoxified mutant A subunit of E. coli heat labile toxin (LT) selected from one or more of the group consisting of LTK63 and LTR72.

19. A method for raising an immune response in a subject comprising mucosally administering a composition comprising an HIV envelope antigen and a detoxified mutant A subunit of E. coli heat labile toxin (LT) selected from the group consisting of LTK63 and LTR72.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein said heat labile toxin is LTK63.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein said heat labile toxin is LTR72.

22. The method of claim 19, wherein said toxin comprises a holotoxin of said E. coli heat labile toxin.

23. The method of claim 19, wherein said envelope protein is selected from the group consisting of gp120, gp160 and ogp140.

24. The method of claim 19, further comprising administering a second HIV antigen.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein said second HIV antigen is selected from one or more of the group consisting of HIV structural proteins, HIV regulatory proteins, and HIV accessory proteins.

26. The method of claim 24, wherein said second HIV antigen is gag.

27. The method of claim 17 wherein said composition is administered intranasally.

26. The method of claim 19, wherein said composition is administered intravaginally.

27. The method of claim 19, wherein said composition is administered intrarectally.

28. A method for raising an immune response in a subject comprising mucosally administering a composition comprising a polynucleotide encoding an HIV envelope antigen and a detoxified mutant A subunit of E. coli heat labile toxin (LT) selected from the group consisting of LTK63 and LTR72.

29. A method for raising an immune response in a subject comprising mucosally administering a composition comprising an HIV envelope antigen and a polynucleotide encoding a detoxified mutant A subunit of E. coli heat labile toxin (LT) selected from the group consisting of LTK63 and LTR72.